Carpet backing comprising natural compounds

ABSTRACT

A carpet or carpet tile comprising a biobased backing is provided. The resultant carpet tile has advantages in terms of environmental issues and reduces the need for fossil fuels. The backing is made using a backing composition comprising a resin, an oil, optionally a thermoplasticelastomer, and a filler material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of textile floor coveringmaterial, in particular of carpet and carpet tiles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carpet and carpet tiles typically are made up of a textile top cloth, aprecoat layer and a backing layer on the back. The textile top cloth ismost commonly produced with a tufting, weaving or needlefelt process. Inthe tufting process, the carpet yarn is needled into a primary backing.In the weaving process, two sets of carpet yarns are interlaced at rightangles. In the needlefelt process carpet fibers are needled into eachother, possibly using a scrim for processing and/or re-inforcement. Theyarns and fibers may be composed of natural and/or synthetic materials.

The textile top cloth may be precoated at the back thereof with a waterbased filled or unfilled latex called the precoating composition. Theyarns or fibers are firmly connected to the precoating composition,providing a good bonding force. An alternative for a water basedprecoating composition can, for example, be a filled or unfilled hotmelt composition. Another alternative could be melting the yarn orfibers together at the back of the top cloth.

Herein, the precoated top cloth is the intermediate product that isproduced by precoating the top cloth or melting the yarn or fiberstogether at the back of the top cloth. Herein, the precoating layer isthe layer that contains the precoating composition or the molten yarnsor molten fibers.

The backing of a broadloom carpet normally consists of a second latexcoating and a secondary backing which is often a woven substrate. Thebacking of a carpet tile is usually heavier, because it is essential tothe performance and durability of the product. It enables heavy wearwithout deterioration. The backing provides flatness, dimensionalstability, stiffness, and weight thereby minimizing or eliminating theneed for adhesives. The backing of a carpet tile normally consists of afilled backing composition with, optionally, a glass veil or glass scrimfor dimensional stability and/or, optionally, a nonwoven as coveringfleece.

Commonly used backing compositions for carpet tiles are fossil fuelbased, e.g., they comprise bitumen, PVC or Polyolefins. Although fossilfuels are continually being formed via natural processes, they aregenerally considered to be non-renewable resources because they takemillions of years to form and the known viable reserves are beingdepleted much faster than new ones are being made. Additionally, the useof fossil fuels raises potential environmental concerns, as the burningthereof results in the formation of carbon dioxide, which is a notoriousgreenhouse gas. Moreover, emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)from carpets have been widely recognized as an indoor air qualityproblem that may affect human health. VOCs not only derive from carpetsand carpet tiles themselves, but also from adhesives used to secure thecarpet or carpet tile to a floor surface. Also the materials used in thecarpet should not contain toxic components that could be harmful duringproduction, installation, use, maintenance and end-of-life applications.Specific toxicity issues of the currently used fossil fuel based backingmaterials are the presence of toxic PAH's (polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons) present in bitumen and the presence of plasticizers andthe formation of toxic components in flue gases after incineration forPVC and the presence of monomers for polyolefins.

US 2006/0134374 describes a carpet backing, which is made using glasspowder manufactured from recycled post-consumer glass. It comprises afilled hot melt comprising 12-20 wt. % of an ethylene vinyl acetate(EVA) polymer, 0-55 wt. % of a glass filler, and 20-40 wt. % resin. Theamount of filler that can be incorporated in this carpet backing isrelatively low. Also, the amount of the non-biobased EVA hotmelt isrelatively high thereby compromising the sustainability of the carpetbacking. EVA has a higher environmental impact than rosin (includingderivatives thereof) because more energy is needed to produce thepolymer.

US2011/0189427 is concerned with providing a carpet tile which islighter than previous carpet tile constructions, and which makes use ofmore environmentally friendly materials. It describes a carpet backingcomprising 25 wt. % polyvinyl chloride copolymer and homopolymer, 53.8wt. % recycled glass, and 21% of a mix of epoxidised soy bean oil withan acetic acid of castor bean oil. The amount of filler that can beincorporated in this carpet backing is relatively low. Additionally,such carpet backing is not provided in a fully biobased form. Thebacking uses a relatively high percentage of non-biobased polyvinylchloride (PVC) thereby compromising the sustainability of the carpettile. PVC has a higher environmental impact than rosin (includingderivatives thereof) because more energy is needed to produce thepolymer. Also, the amount of filler that can be incorporated in thiscarpet backing is relatively low.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,206,007 describes a carpet backing comprising 15-19 wt.% styrene-butadiene rubber, 0.8-5 wt. % saponified tall oil pitch, and80 wt. % filler. The styrene-butadiene rubber is not bio-based. As such,sustainability of this carpet backing is compromised. Styrene butadienerubber has a higher environmental impact than rosin (includingderivatives thereof) because more energy is needed to produce thepolymer. Also the backing consists of a styrene butadiene rubber latex,which is a dispersion in water. This requires a lot of heating energyduring carpet production to evaporate the water and is therefore lesssustainable.

U.S. Pat. No. 4.443.575 discloses a carpet or a carpet tile with abacking layer which comprises:

-   -   5-65%, preferably 10-40% by weight of an olefin—polar monomer        copolymer preferably being an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer        (EVA);    -   a synthetic oil consisting of one or more members selected from        the group of non-condensed tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon        compounds which have a boiling point of 250° C. or higher and a        molecular weight of 258 to 482, and which are liquid at room        temperature, in an amount of 1 to 50% by weight;    -   an inorganic filler in an amount of 30 to 90% by weight;    -   and a solid, low molecular compound component in an amount up to        50%.

US20110008567 discloses a carpet or a carpet tile wherein the precoatlayer or the adhesive backing layer comprises at least onenon-chlorinated, non-polyvinyl butyral thermoplastic polymer which maybe an ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer, at least one filler whichmay be CaCO₃ in an amount up to 90% by weight, optionally at least oneoil, preferably paraffinic oil, and 0 to 15% by weight of a tackifier.

FR2702183 discloses an adhesive-bonded floor mat of the type consistingof a substrate (2) made of synthetic fibers, woven or not, characterizedin that it comprises on its lower surface, over its entire surface andfrom the inside to the outside a primary layer (3), and an adhesionlayer (4) composed of a dispersion of a copolymer of styrene andcarboxylated butadiene and natural latex in an ester of rosin andhydrocarbon resins, which layer has a tack having a value of between 8and 10 cm under the ASTM measurement conditions and a peel force of theorder of 500 g/cm ².

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carpet or carpettile that reduces the need for fossil fuels and/or reduces the emissionof greenhouse gases. Additionally or alternatively, there is a need forcarpets or carpet tiles that are low on VOCs and/or do not contain toxiccomponents. Additionally or alternatively, there is a need for carpetsor carpet tiles that are more bio-based and/or more environmentallysustainable, i.e., have a lower environmental impact. Additionally oralternatively, there is a need for carpets or carpet tiles, preferablyfully bio-based carpets or carpet tiles, that can be more economicallyproduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a carpet or carpettile comprising a textile top cloth, a precoating layer and a backinglayer, wherein said backing layer comprises a backing composition,wherein said backing composition comprises:

-   -   a resin, preferably a rosin or rosin derivative;    -   an oil, preferably of natural origin;    -   optionally, a thermoplastic elastomer; and    -   a filler.

In an embodiment, backing composition as taught herein may comprise:

-   -   from about 5% to about 50% (w/w) resin, preferably a rosin or        rosin derivative;    -   from about 0.1% to about 20% (w/w) oil, preferably of natural        origin;    -   from about 0% to about 10% (w/w) thermoplastic elastomer; and    -   from about 50% to about 95% (w/w) filler.

In an embodiment, the backing composition as taught herein has a Ringand Ball softening point as determined using the method described inEN1427:2007 in the range of 60-180° C. and/or a needle penetration at25° C. as determined using the method described in EN1426:2007 in therange of 0.2-200×0.1 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the resin is a natural resin, which ispreferably selected from rosin or derivatives thereof, such asesterified rosin, hydrogenated rosin, phenolic rosin, terpenic rosin,and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the oil is a natural oil, preferably avegetable oil, more preferably a refined or modified vegetable oil, andeven more preferably selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil,refined rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, refined sunflower oil and refinedhigh oleic sunflower oil. The natural oil can be plant, animal, and/oralgae derived or obtained therefrom (non fossil). This in contrast tosynthetic oils which are (artificially/intentionally) built from(simpler) substances to give the properties required.

In an embodiment, the backing composition may comprise from about 0.1%to about 5% (w/w) of the thermoplastic elastomer.

In an embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer is a copolymer of ethyleneand vinyl acetate.

In an embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer is a block copolymer ofpolystyrene and polybutadiene (SBS).

In an embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer is a polyolefin polymer.

In an embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer is a polyhydroxyalkanoatepolymer.

In an embodiment, the filler may be selected from calcium carbonate(limestone), silicates, silicas, oxides of silica, carbonates, sulfates,oxides of antimony, aluminium trihydrate, carbon black, talcum, clays,kaolin, and organic fillers like wood chips, wood flour, shell flour,plant material, like plant fibers, plant shells and plant residues andrecycled materials like recycled rubber, recycled plastic, and recycledfibers.

In a preferred embodiment, the filler is limestone, preferably recycledlimestone.

In an embodiment, the backing composition may further comprise between 0and 2% (w/w) of an anti-oxidant.

In an embodiment, the carpet or carpet tile as taught herein may beessentially free of bitumen.

In an embodiment, the carpet or carpet tile as taught herein may beessentially free of a hydrocarbon wax.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method forpreparing the carpet or carpet tile as taught herein, said methodcomprising the steps of:

-   -   providing a precoated top cloth comprising a top side comprising        yarn or fibers and a back side comprising a precoating layer;    -   preparing a backing composition as taught herein; and    -   applying said backing composition onto said precoating layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a carpet or carpet tile comprising a top cloth,a precoating layer and a backing layer, wherein said backing layercomprises a backing composition, wherein said backing compositioncomprises (1) a resin, preferably a rosin or a rosin derivative; (2)oil, preferably an oil of natural origin; (3) optionally, athermoplastic elastomer; and (4) a filler.

In a carpet or carpet tile, the textile top cloth is most commonlyproduced by a tufting-, weaving- or needlefelt process. A precoatinglayer, which is often adhesive, may then be applied onto the back side(non-decorative side) of the textile top cloth, to securely fasten theyarn or fibers together in the textile top cloth. This precoating layermakes sure that the yarn filaments or fibers are bound together in thetop cloth. The resulting precoated top cloth comprises the yarn orfibers at its top side, and the precoating layer at its back. A backinglayer may subsequently be applied onto the precoating layer to increaseflatness, to provide dimensional stability, stiffness, and weight, andto minimize the need for adhesives for installation. Other layers suchas a glass veil or glass scrim for dimensional stability and/or nonwovencovering fleece may be incorporated to make up the carpet or carpettile, but in the context of the present invention, these layers are notessential.

The components of the backing composition excluding the filler materialconstitute the “binder”. The binder in the carpet or carpet tile backingcomposition preferably comprises at least 75%, preferably at least 80%,preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, yet morepreferably at least 95% bio-based materials, and is preferably fullybio-based. The term “bio-based” as used herein refers to a materialintentionally made from substances derived from currently livingorganisms, as opposed to non-renewable fossil fuels that are made fromprehistoric organisms.

Suitable resins are normally in solid form at room temperature. Theresins ideally have a melting point between about 65° C. and about 160°C., preferably between about 80° C. and 120° C. to allow the resin to behandled at room temperature and allowing the mixing and applicationprocess to be at reasonable processing temperatures.

The resin as used in the context of the present invention may be anatural or a synthetic resin. The resin is preferably a natural resin,and is more preferably a rosin, i.e., unmodified rosin or a rosinderived from rosin (i.e., a rosin derivative) by modification thereof.Rosin is a resin obtained from pines and some other plants, mostlyconifers. It is semi-transparent and varies in color from yellow toblack. At room temperature rosin is brittle, but it melts at stove-toptemperatures. It chiefly consists of various resin acids. The rosin usedin the present invention may be modified, e.g., may be esterified rosin,hydrogenated rosin, dimerized rosin, phenolic rosin, terpenic rosin, andthe like. Suitable esterified rosins may be reaction products of rosinwith mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, polyfunctional alcohols or combinationsthereof, including methyl alcohol, dipropylene glycol, glycerol,pentaerythritol, and combinations thereof. The rosin or rosinderivatives used in the present invention may be derived from any of thecommercially available types of rosin such as wood rosin, gum rosin,tall oil rosin and mixtures thereof in their crude or refined state.

The oil may be a natural or a synthetic oil, but is preferably a naturaloil, preferably a vegetable oil, which is optionally refined ormodified, such as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated, morepreferably selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, refinedrapeseed oil, sunflower oil and refined sunflower oil. By adding oil,the filler load of the composition can be increased, thereby reducingthe amount of polymers required. Such polymers have a relatively highenvironmental impact. Increasing the amount of fillers that can beincorporated in the composition is highly beneficial as the filler has arelatively low environmental impact. The oil also acts as a plasticizerand softens the backing composition and makes the backing compositionmore flexible.

The filler may be any well-known filler, such as a mineral filler or anorganic filler. Suitable types of fillers include calcium carbonate(limestone), silicates, silicas, oxides of silica, carbonates, sulfates,oxides of antimony, aluminium trihydrate, carbon black, talcum, clays,kaolin, wood flour and shell flour. The particle size of the fillers mayrange between about 0.01 μm and about 1 mm in size and may be segregatedor classified to produce a desired mean size. In addition to thesefillers also differently shaped fillers, biobased fillers and/orrecycled fillers like wood chips, natural fibers, plant shells, plantresidues, synthetic fibers, glass fibers, recycled fibers, recycledrubber, recycled plastic and other recycled materials can beincorporated into the composition taught herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the filler is limestone, preferably recycledlimestone.

A thermoplastic elastomer may or may not be present in the backingcomposition taught herein. When present, the backing composition astaught herein preferably comprises from about 0.1% to about 5% (w/w) ofthe thermoplastic elastomer, such as about 0.20% to about 4.0% (w/w),about 0.30% to about 3.5% (w/w), and about 0.50% to about 3.0% (w/w).

The thermoplastic elastomer may be a so-called bitumen modifier. It maybe a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate (EVA), a block copolymer ofpolystyrene and polybutadiene (SBS), such as SBS having a styrenecontent between 10 and 70% (w/w), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), orother thermoplastic elastomers.

The thermoplastic elastomer can be an Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). EVAis the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. The weight percent vinylacetate may vary from 1 to 50%, such as from 10 to 40%, with theremainder being ethylene. It is a polymer with typical elastomericproperties in e.g. toughness and flexibility. The addition of athermoplastic elastomer improves the elasticity and creep resistance ofthe backing composition. The bitumen modifiers or thermoplasticelastomers are generally mixed with the carpet backing at elevatedtemperatures (in general above 170° C.) and/or in a high shear mixer.Two common bitumen modifiers or thermoplastic elastomers available inthe market are an SBS block copolymer (e.g. Kraton DSBS™ from Kraton) oran EVA elastomer (e.g. Polybilt 106™ from ExxonMobil).

In an embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer may be a polyolefinpolymer modifier, preferably a polyolefin which is commerciallyavailable, e.g. Exxon Mobile Vistamaxx™ granules.

In an embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer may be apolyhydroxyalkanoate polymer modifier, preferably apolyhydroxyalkanoate, which is commercially available, e.g. Metabolix™,mirel granules.

In an embodiment, the backing composition further comprises between 0and 2% of an anti-oxidant to prevent degradation of the backingcomposition with time. Non-limiting examples of suitable anti-oxidantsinclude sterically hindered phenols, sterically hindered amines andphospites such as Irganox™ 1010 and Irgafos™ 168 from BASF, and Ethanox310™ from SI Group.

In an embodiment, the carpet or carpet tile comprises a backing layercomposed of a backing composition, said backing composition comprising:

(1) from about 5% to about 50% (w/w), preferably from about 6% to about40% (w/w), more preferably from about 7% to about 35% (w/w), even morepreferably from about 8% to about 32% (w/w), yet more preferably fromabout 9% to about 30% (w/w), such as from about 10% to about 28% (w/w)or from about 11% to about 25% (w/w), of a resin, such as rosin or arosin derivative;

(2) from about 0.1% to about 20% (w/w), such as from about 0.1% to about15% (w/w), from about 0.25% to about 11% (w/w), from about 0.5% to about10% (w/w), from about 0.8% to about 8% (w/w), from about 1% to about 6%(w/w), from about 1.4% to about 5% (w/w), from about 1.8% to about 4%(w/w) of oil, such as a vegetable oil, e.g., rapeseed oil;

(3) from about 0% to about 10% (w/w), such as from about 0.1% to about10% (w/w), from about 0.2% to about 9% (w/w), from about 0.3% to about8% (w/w), from about 0.4% to about 6% (w/w), from about 0.5% to about 4%(w/w), or from about 0.75% to about 2.5% (w/w), of a thermoplasticelastomer; and

(4) from about 50% to about 95% (w/w), such as from about 60% to about94% (w/w), from about 70% to about 92% (w/w), from about 75% to about90% (w/w), from about 75% to about 88% (w/w), from about 77% to about86% (w/w), of a filler. The backing composition is typically appliedonto the precoating layer of the precoated top cloth.

In a suitable embodiment, the backing composition taught hereincomprises:

(1) from about 5% to about 50% (w/w), preferably from about 6% to about40% (w/w), more preferably from about 7% to about 35% (w/w), even morepreferably from about 8% to about 32% (w/w), yet more preferably fromabout 9% to about 30% (w/w), such as from about 10% to about 28% (w/w)or from about 11% to about 25% (w/w) rosin or a rosin derivative astaught herein;

(2) from about 0.1% to about 20% (w/w), such as from about 0.1% to about15% (w/w), from about 0.25% to about 11% (w/w), from about 0.5% to about10% (w/w), from about 0.8% to about 8% (w/w), from about 1% to about 6%(w/w), from about 1.4% to about 5% (w/w), from about 1.8% to about 4%(w/w) of a vegetable oil, e.g., rapeseed oil, which may optionally berefined;

(3) from about 0% to about 10% (w/w), such as from about 0.1% to about10% (w/w), from about 0.2% to about 9% (w/w), from about 0.3% to about8% (w/w), from about 0.4% to about 6% (w/w), from about 0.5% to about 4%(w/w), or from about 0.75% to about 2.5% (w/w), of an ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer; and (4) from about 50% to about 95% (w/w), such asfrom about 60% to about 94% (w/w), from about 70% to about 920% (w/w),from about 75% to about 90% (w/w), from about 75% to about 88% (w/w),from about 77% to about 86% (w/w), of a filler, such as limestone.

The backing composition may be characterised by the softening point andthe consistency of the material. The softening point is a measure of theimpact of temperature on the material consistency. The softening pointmay be determined using any method known in the art, and can, forexample, be determined in accordance with the method described inEN1427:2007—Bitumen and bituminous binders—Determination of thesoftening point—Ring and Ball method. The consistency of the materialunder specified conditions of temperature, load and loading duration maybe determined using any method known in the art, and can, for example,be measured in accordance with EN 1426:2007—Bitumen and bituminousbinders—Determination of needle penetration. The consistency, also knownas needle penetration, is expressed as the distance in tenths of amillimetre that a standard needle will penetrate into the material.

In a suitable embodiment, the backing composition is characterised byhaving a Ring and Ball softening point, preferably as determined conformEN1427:2007, in the range of 60-180° C., preferably 70-160° C., morepreferably 75-140° C., even more preferably, 80-120° C., and/or a needlepenetration at 25° C., preferably as determined conform EN1426:2007, inthe range of 0.2-200×0.1 mm, such as 0.5-100×0.1 mm, 0.8-75×0.1 mm, or1-50×0.1 mm.

The produced carpet may be classified conform EN1307-2014: Textile floorcoverings—Classification. This European Standard specifies therequirements for classification of all textile floor coverings andcarpet tiles, excluding rugs and runners (see ISO 2424) into use classeswith regard to one or more of the following properties: wear, appearanceretention, additional performance properties and classes for luxuryrating.

The invention also relates to a method for preparing a carpet or carpettile as taught herein, said method comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing a precoated top cloth comprising a top side comprising        yarn or fibers and a back side comprising a precoating layer as        taught herein;    -   preparing a backing composition as taught herein; and    -   applying said backing composition onto said precoating layer.

A precoated top cloth may be prepared by applying a precoating layeronto a textile top cloth, as taught above.

Optionally, other layers are added before, during or after theapplication of the backing composition, including, without limitation, aglass veil, glass scrim, foam layer, nonwoven covering fleece, etc. Thebacking composition taught herein may be prepared by mixing theindividual components of said backing composition into a composition ina molten state. This will usually occur at an elevated temperature, suchas between 120 and 200° C. This backing composition may then be formedinto a sheet-like structure using any method known in the art, and maythen be applied onto the back side (side comprising the precoatinglayer) of the precoated top cloth to thereby form a backing layer. Aglass veil or scrim may be incorporated into the backing layer fordimensional stability using any method known in the art. Two or morebacking layers may be applied, for example, to allow for another layer,like e.g. a foam layer, glass veil or glass scrim to be added in betweensaid two or more backing layers. At the external surface side of thebacking layer a covering fleece, like a polypropylene nonwoven, may beadded to prevent sticking on or fouling of the floor.

EXAMPLES

The following backing composition was prepared without thermoplasticelastomer:

Limestone filler 82.0% (w/w) Rosin Glycerol ester 15.2% (w/w) Refinedsunflower oil - high oleic  2.8% (w/w)

The softening point of the backing composition as measured usingEN1427:2007 was 94° C. The needle penetration at 25° C. of the backingcomposition as measured using EN1426:2007 was 10.9×0.1 mm. The binder inthe backing composition had a bio-based content of 100%.

This backing composition was mixed in a z-blade mixer in one step at atemperature between 140° C. and 150° C.

The following backing composition was prepared with thermoplasticelastomer:

Limestone filler 82.0% (w/w) Rosin glycerol ester 14.3% (w/w) Refinedrapeseed oil 2.3% (w/w) Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) with 24%vinylacetate 1.4% (w/w) content

The softening point of the backing composition as measured usingEN1427:2007 was 100° C. The needle penetration at 25° C. of the backingcomposition as measured using EN1426:2007 was 2.5×0.1mm. The binder inthe backing composition had a bio-based content of 92%.

The individual components of the backing composition with thermoplasticelastomer were mixed together into a backing composition in two steps:

Step 1:

In the first step a premix was made in which all the EVA granulate wasmixed into a part of the limestone/rosin/rapeseed oil mixture in aheated kneader at 185° C. This step was carried out to provide enoughshear and temperature for the EVA to be mixed well with the othercomponents. This resulted in a premix with the following composition:

Limestone filler 72.4% (w/w) Rosin glycerol ester 12.7% (w/w) Refinedrapeseed oil 6.0% (w/w) Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) with 24%vinylacetate 8.9% (w/w) content

Step 2:

In the second step the remaining parts of the limestone, rosin andrapeseed oil were mixed together with the premix at 160° C. in astandard heated mixing vessel to obtain the end composition of thebacking composition.

This backing composition was then formed into a sheet-like structure andapplied on the precoating layer of a precoated top cloth at atemperature of about 160° C. In this case a tufted loop-pile carpet wasused. A glass veil or scrim was incorporated into the backing layer fordimensional stability. At the external surface of the backing layer acovering fleece was added to prevent sticking on or fouling of thefloor. Finally the carpet was cut into carpet tiles.

The produced tufted loop-pile carpet tiles passed the criteria for useclass 33: heavy commercial use conform EN1307-2014: Textile floorcoverings—Classification. The emissions measurements showed that thisbacking had low emissions and was suitable for a carpet that needs topass the strict gemeinschaft umweltfreundlicher teppichboden (GUT)carpet emission requirements as described in: GUT product test 2010:Emission limit values chamber test in μg/m³. The backing does notcontain any substances that are subject to the ban on use or have limitvalues as described in the GUT list of pollutants and is thereforesuitable for a carpet that needs to pass the strict GUT requirements onpollutants.

The use of biobased materials reduced the impact that the carpet backinghas on global warming. The carbon present in the natural resin and oilis sequestered from CO₂ present in the air. When the product isincinerated, possibly with a waste to energy application, then thesequestered CO₂ is released back into the air and no extra CO₂ isproduced.

1. A carpet or carpet tile comprising a textile top cloth, a precoatinglayer and a backing layer, wherein said backing layer comprises abacking composition, wherein said backing composition comprises: anatural resin, preferably a rosin or rosin derivative; a natural oilwhich is optionally refined or modified, preferably a vegetable oilwhich is optionally refined or modified; optionally, a thermoplasticelastomer; and a filler.
 2. The carpet or carpet tile according to claim1, wherein said backing composition comprises: from about 5% to about50% (w/w) natural resin; rom about 0.1% to about 20% (w/w) natural oil;from about 0% to about 10% (w/w) thermoplastic elastomer; and from about50% to about 95% (w/w) filler.
 3. The carpet or carpet tile according toclaim 1, wherein the backing composition has a Ring and Ball softeningpoint as determined using the method described in EN1427:2007 in therange of 60-180° C. and/or a needle penetration at 25° C. as determinedusing the method described in EN1426:2007 in the range of 0.2-200×0.1mm.
 4. The carpet or carpet tile according to claim 1, wherein thenatural resin is rosin or a derivative thereof.
 5. The carpet or carpettile according to claim 1, wherein the vegetable oil is selected fromthe group consisting of rapeseed oil, refined rapeseed oil, sunfloweroil, refined sunflower oil and refined high oleic sunflower oil.
 6. Thecarpet or carpet tile according to claim 1, comprising a backingcomposition comprising from about 0.1% to about 5% (w/w) of thethermoplastic elastomer.
 7. The carpet or carpet tile according to claim6, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a copolymer of ethylene andvinyl acetate.
 8. The carpet or carpet tile according to claim 6,wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a block copolymer of polystyreneand polybutadiene (SBS).
 9. The carpet or carpet tile according to claim6, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a polyolefin polymer.
 10. Thecarpet or carpet tile according to claim 6, wherein the thermoplasticelastomer is a polyhydroxyalkanoate.
 11. The carpet or carpet tileaccording to claim 1, wherein the filler is selected from calciumcarbonate (limestone), silicates, silicas, oxides of silica, carbonates,sulfates, oxides of antimony, aluminium trihydrate, carbon black,talcum, clays, kaolin, and organic fillers.
 12. The carpet or carpettile according to claim 1, wherein the backing composition furthercomprises between 0 and 2% (w/w) of an anti-oxidant.
 13. The carpet orcarpet tile according to claim 1, which is essentially free of bitumen.14. The carpet or carpet tile according to claim 1, which is essentiallyfree of a hydrocarbon wax.
 15. A method for preparing the carpet orcarpet tile according to claim 1, said method comprising the steps of:providing a precoated top cloth comprising a top side comprising yarn orfibers and a back side comprising a precoating layer; preparing thebacking composition as defined in claim 1, and applying said backingcomposition onto said precoating layer.
 16. The carpet or carpet tileaccording to claim 4, wherein the rosin or derivative thereof comprisesesterified rosin, hydrogenated rosin, phenolic rosin, or terpenic rosin.17. The carpet or carpet tile according to claim 11, wherein the filleris an organic filler comprising wood chips, wood flour, shell flour,plant material, or a recycled material.
 18. The carpet or carpet tileaccording to claim 17, wherein the organic filler comprises plantmaterial comprising plant fibers, plant shells, or plant residue. 19.The carpet or carpet tile according to claim 17, wherein the organicfiller comprises a recycled material comprising recycled rubber,recycled plastic, or recycled fibers.